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Can Sump Pumps Become Your Home's First Line of Defense?

Understanding the Benefits of Sump Pumps

On average, Huntsville has 120 rainy days a year, which makes it one of the rainiest places in Alabama. This means that flooding is a very real concern. And it doesn’t matter where the home is located because 90% of local drainage complaints come from Huntsville residents who do NOT live in the floodplain.

One of the best things Huntsville homeowners can do to protect themselves against flooding and damage to their property is to install a sump pump. A “sump” is a pit or basin typically dug beneath the basement floor. This pit holds the pump or inlet line that removes excess water from the basement through a discharge line to a designated safe drainage area away from home.

That drainage location may be a municipal sewer, a dry well, or a natural runoff point. The important thing is that the site drains well enough that the water does not flow back into the home or onto a neighbor’s property.

How Do Sump Pumps Protect the Home?

sumpA sump pump is a device installed in the lowest part of a home's foundation, typically in the basement or crawlspace. Its purpose is to remove water that has accumulated in the area and prevent flooding.

Sump pumps are powered by electricity and have a float or pressure switch that activates the pump when the water level or pressure rises to a certain point. The sump pump will automatically turn on when that switch senses the water has gotten too high in the basin. 

The pump then discharges the water out of the home through a pipe or hose. Sump pumps have spinning rotors that either suck or push the floodwater out of the pit and into the drainage plumbing.

What Models To Choose From

pumpsThere are two main types of sump pumps:

  • Submersible units
  • Pedestal pumps

A submersible pump is quieter and more powerful, but because it’s submerged underwater, it doesn’t last as long as a pedestal pump.

A pedestal pump has a longer service lifespan than a submersible pump, but it also takes up valuable floor space in the basement. Also, because pedestal pumps are not cooled by surrounding water, they are more prone to overheating.

Although sump pumps are sold in various horsepowers ranging from ¼ HP to 1 HP, the most important consideration is how many gallons of water they can pump per minute.

Never use an extension cord or shared outlet to power a sump pump. Voltage drops can significantly reduce the service life of the pump. The best power source for a sump pump is a dedicated ground-fault circuit interrupter outlet directly connected to its own circuit breaker. A licensed electrician should always install a GFCI. 

Perks of Sump Pumps

A sump pump protects a home from flooding in several ways. Sump pumps are an important part of a home's flood protection system and can help to prevent extensive damage from occurring in the event of a flood. Removing excess water:

  • Prevents structural damage to the building
  • Inhibits the growth of mold and mildew
  • Reduces the danger of electrical hazards due to standing water

It is important to keep in mind that for most standard homeowner’s insurance policies, water damage from a flooded or backed-up basement is NOT covered. 

About Scott Plumbing

Scott Plumbing is a local family-owned and operated business serving its neighbors in Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day service, and on-time arrivals. Call them today for sump pump services in Huntsville, AL.

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Don't Risk Doing DIY Plumbing Repairs

DIY Plumbing Repairs Are Risky 

Homeowners looking to cut corners and save money on plumbing repairs may attempt to do them themselves. However, the risks associated with DIY repairs can be dangerous and, in the long run, cost more than what initial repairs would have cost had a professional been brought in from the beginning.

Misidentifying the Issue 

Plumbing systems are complex, and repairs to these systems can be complicated. Many homeowners who attempt these repairs on their own have no idea what to look for, nor do they have the tools or qualifications to make such repairs. 

Homeowners who set out to fix the problems themselves will misdiagnose the issue, leading to buying the wrong parts. Unfortunately, there’s also the risk of causing further damage to the system since many homeowners don’t have the appropriate training to handle these issues. 

On the other hand, professional plumbers will have the qualifications to tackle these repairs. They will know what to look for and have specialized tools for the job. Professionals have also received the appropriate training, certifications, and licenses for handling plumbing repairs. These are just some of the reasons why hiring a professional is recommended over trying to DIY plumbing repairs. 

DIY Takes More Time

clockSince professionals are highly trained and qualified for the repair job, they will spend less time trying to diagnose the problem. After a consultation, the professional will examine the plumbing system, locate the issues, and work on fixing them. This process will take a lot less time, unlike DIY repairs that may take days or weeks to complete, and that’s if the homeowner doesn’t end up causing even more damage.

Professionals understand what to look for and possess the correct knowledge, skills, and specialized tools and equipment to do the job right away. Also, if a homeowner tries to repair the problem themselves and either misdiagnosis the issue or causes more damage, more time will be spent fixing the problems.

DIY Costs More Money 

saveHomeowners that try to DIY plumbing repairs and end up causing significantly more damage will be looking at a heftier bill than the initial repairs would have cost. This is because the additional damage will require more repairs, which may need different parts and tools. 

DIY repairs are also uninsured, unlike the work done by professional contractors. Professionals from reputable companies will come with insurance that protects the homeowner should something go wrong during the repair process. This covers the plumbing system and covers the property as a whole if any damages occur. This provides financial security to the homeowner so that any potential damages done by the contractor will not come out of the homeowner’s pocket and will instead be covered by the contractor or their company.

About Scott Plumbing

Scott Plumbing is a local family-owned and operated business serving its neighbors in Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day service, trusted technicians, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for plumbing services in Huntsville, AL.

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The Ultimate Guide to Drain Cleaning

Important Things To Know About Drain Cleaning 

Drains are an unsung hero of the home’s plumbing system. These components can carry hundreds of gallons of water away from the house each year, yet they seldom get a second thought until they clog. Then, homeowners ask themselves what they did wrong. 

Maintaining the home’s plumbing system is more than using Drano and calling it a day. It involves being aware of any clogs or odors coming from the drain and scheduling routine maintenance visits. Even just taking a few seconds out of the day to clean a drain can save money and stress in the long run. 

DIY Drain Cleaning

methodsFirst, DIY drain cleaning does not mean using over-the-counter drain cleaners. Most professional plumbers will advise not to use them because the chemicals inside drain cleaners can wear away at a pipe’s interior, making it more prone to bursting and leaking. 

Chemical drain cleaners, in general, are bad for the environment. Sure, they claim to cut down on clogs. But does a homeowner want those chemicals seeping into their lawn and groundwater? 

Some safe DIY drain cleaning measures include:

  • Using a solution of baking soda and vinegar to clear away minor clogs
  • Pouring rock salt down the sink and running the garbage disposal (this sharpens the machine’s blades) 
  • Wiping away any mold growth from around the drain 

One of the best DIY drain cleaning measures is to perform preventative maintenance. This means to refrain from pouring fats, oils, and non-organic liquids down the drain, even if it’s just one time. 

Drain Snakes Get Rid of Deep Clogs

snaking

 No, drain snakes aren’t reptiles that slither down the drain and remove clogs. They are drain augers that dislodge and remove hard-to-reach clogs. Many of these devices even come outfitted with cameras so that plumbers can get an up-close-and-personal look at the obstruction. 

Here are some things to know about using a drain snake: 

  • One should exercise caution when using one. Using the tool improperly can damage the plumbing system. 
  • One shouldn’t force a drain snake to keep moving through the plumbing system. If it can’t break through an obstruction, one should remove the snake and call a professional. 
  • One can use oil to prevent rust and corrosion from affecting the drain snake’s performance. 

 

Hydro Jetting Can Remove Serious Clogs 

Hydro jetting eliminates clogs by shooting water into the drain and breaking apart clogs. Some benefits of hydro jetting include: 

  • It’s highly effective. 
  • In addition to removing clogs, it also cleans the inside of the pipes, helping prevent future clogs. 
  • Many hydro jetting services are very affordable. 

Like with anything, there are certain drawbacks. Some cons of hydro jetting include: 

  • Hydro jetting isn’t recommended for older homes or plumbing systems. 
  • Some plumbers claim that plumbers’ snakes are more efficient than using hydro jetting methods. 
  • Hydro jetting should never be used on clay pipes. 

About Scott Plumbing 

The award-winning Scott Plumbing is a family-owned and operated business serving Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day service, straightforward pricing, and on-time service. Call them today for drain cleaning services in Huntsville, AL.

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Celebrate 2022's Earth Day with These Energy-Saving Appliances

Homeowners Should Consider These Eco-Friendly Appliances 

People were skeptical when energy-efficient appliances first came out. They were concerned about cost, installation, and whether the devices saved water and energy. Now decades later, there’s no question that these appliances save hundreds of gallons and hundreds of dollars in the long run. 

This Earth Day, homeowners should consider outfitting their residences with “green” appliances, especially those produced by EnergyStar and WaterSense. Not only do these appliances outperform their competitors, but many states offer tax incentives, cutting down on the initial cost of purchase and installation. 

Three Water-Saving Appliances 

toilet
Many water-saving appliances have a WaterSense label, meaning they are endorsed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Some of the best water-saving appliances on today’s market include: 
  • Water-saving toilets: The average toilet uses about 1.6 gallons of water per flush, but WaterSense toilets use only 1.2 gallons of water. It doesn’t seem like much difference, but it adds up over time. 
  • Eco-friendly showerheads: The EPA notes showerheads use about 17 percent of the home’s water usage. The average showerhead uses 2.5 gallons per minute, while WaterSense showerheads use no more than 2 gallons without sacrificing water temperature or pressure. 
  • Bathroom faucets: WaterSense’s bathroom faucets use only 1.5 gallons of water per minute, while the average bathroom faucet uses 2.2 gallons. 

 

Three Energy-Efficient Appliances 

water heater

EnergyStar has a wealth of energy-efficient appliances that save gas, water, and electricity. They also reduce a home’s carbon footprint. Some of these products include: 

  • Smart thermostats: EnergyStar notes that homeowners will spend at least $900 a year to heat and cool their homes. Smart thermostats seek to reduce that number by offering customizable heating and cooling schedules, streamlined controls, and other measures. 
  • Energy-efficient water heaters: Most standard water heaters come with storage tanks that heat water. Tankless water heaters don’t do that. Instead, they heat water while on its way to the faucet or showerhead, reducing energy usage. 
  • Washing machines: EnergyStar washing machines conserve both water and energy. They also come with a host of settings, allowing homeowners to customize each wash based on their clothes and the size of their load of laundry. 

 

Energy-Saving and Water-Efficient Pipes 

In addition to considering energy-efficient appliances, homeowners should also consider outfitting their homes with new pipes. Here are a few things to think about: 

  • Insulating the pipes: This would keep water from freezing and pipes from bursting. It would also prevent the water’s heat from escaping the system. 
  • Opting for metal pipes: Steel pipes are good insulators that would prevent hot water from cooling down. 
  • Pipe thickness: The thicker a pipe is, the less likely it will leak or burst. 

 

About Scott Plumbing 

Scott Plumbing is a local, family-owned, and operated business that provides award-winning service to its community. Their trusted technicians are background checked and drug tested so homeowners can feel at ease. Plus, they are always on time and never leave a mess behind. Call the experts today for plumbing services in Huntsville, AL.

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Choose to Combat Rising Water Bills

3 Tips to Save Green for St. Patrick's Day

March is the month of green, so why not focus on saving your wallet some green? It’s no secret that energy bills are rising globally, so now is the time to learn how to be financially conscious. Besides saving money, energy conservation also improves the world for the next generation.

Turn Off the Tapwater

Many water users leave the water on when washing hands, brushing teeth, hand washing dishes, and many other household chores. It doesn’t seem like a lot of money is being wasted, but 4 gallons of water on average is used each time one person leaves the water on while brushing their teeth, meaning a four-person household that brushes twice per day would waste 32 gallons a day.

Hand washing dishes uses about 27 gallons of water when the water is left on while scrubbing. Experts recommend using one sink to wash and the other to have clean water to rinse dishes in after washing before putting them into the drying rack rather than leaving the tap on to rinse.

shower

 

 

Do Showers Save Water?

Which is the more eco-friendly bathing option, a shower or a bath? The answer depends on how much water an individual uses for each because everyone has different habits.

The average bath uses between 20-and 50 gallons of water, but this depends on how full the bathtub is. A low-flow showerhead uses about 2.5 gallons per minute, meaning a 15-minute shower would use 37.5 gallons. In comparison, an unrestricted showerhead uses about 5 gallons per minute, totaling 75 gallons for the same 15-minute shower.

Many water conservation experts recommend a 4-minute average shower to save water and decrease expenses. It may seem short, but it can be achieved by turning off the water in the shower while lathering or applying shampoo.

Flush Approved Items

Many homeowners are flushing items that could cause clogs. It is recommended to only flush human waste and toilet paper. Common items to avoid flushing include:

  • Wipes (yes, even flushable ones)
  • Diapers
  • Feminine hygiene products (pads and tampons)
  • Cigarettes
  • Plastic wrappers
  • Cotton balls, pads, Q-tips
  • Condoms
  • Medication
  • Hair
  • Dental floss
  • Cat litter
  • Grease
  • Food or food waste
  • Paper towels
  • Chewing gum or candy
  • Fish (sorry for the loss!)
  • Bleach or cleaners that contain bleach

Many of these items degrade the integrity of the household plumbing or contribute to clogged toilets over time. Flushing these items once or twice may not cause a clog, so homeowners feel like it’s not an issue until that dreaded day when the toilet backs up and a plumber is needed. This can be a big repair, so it’s best to avoid it by disposing of these items properly in a waste bin.

About Scott Plumbing

Scott Plumbing is an award-winning, local, family-owned and operated company whose customers are their top priority. Their trusted technicians are background checked so homeowners can feel at ease. Call them today for plumbing service in Huntsville, AL.

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